Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Nikon D80 and Panasonic SZ5 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon D80 has external dimensions of 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.06 x 3.03″) and weighs 668 g (1.47 lb / 23.56 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic SZ5 has external dimensions of 104 x 58 x 21 mm (4.09 x 2.28 x 0.83″) and weighs 136 g (0.30 lb / 4.80 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon D80 and the Panasonic SZ5. Panasonic SZ5 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 28mm narrower, 45mm shorter and 56mm thinner than Nikon D80. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic SZ5 has a built-in lens but Nikon D80 doesn't. Once you put a lens on D80, its thickness will increase significantly.
Comparison image of the Nikon D80 and the Panasonic SZ5 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon D80 and Panasonic SZ5.
Top View Comparison image of the Nikon D80 and the Panasonic SZ5 Size
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic SZ5 is significantly lighter (532g ) than the Nikon D80 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on D80, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon D80 nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Panasonic SZ5's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon D80's 2.5" screen.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.